Access Program for Current Students

Welcome and congratulations! We’re so glad you’re here.

The Access Program is designed to enhance your sense of belonging and empowerment during university. We provide services and connect you with resources across campus to support your academic, career, wellness and financial needs. Your success is important to us. Keep reading to discover how we can help.

Accessing support during university

University can be exciting and overwhelming — and sometimes both all at once. You’re not alone. There’s a community of support to help you succeed. The Access Program’s here to help guide and connect you with the resources you need. Don’t hesitate to reach out, whether you’re in your first year, last year or anywhere in between.

Writing and academic skills are key to your success in university, no matter what Faculty you’re in. Discover how our one-on-one appointments can help you identify areas to improve, create a plan to achieve your goals and more.

  • Academic peer mentoring (30 minutes): Our academic peer mentors are upper-year students who are trained to help you develop skills in areas such as note-taking, studying, test-taking, time management, creating study schedules, goal setting and more.
  • Academic coaching (50 minutes): Meet with a staff member with an extensive educational background. Coaches take a collaborative approach to supporting you to meet your academic needs.
  • Writing advising (50 minutes): Our certified writing advisors are trained graduate and upper-year undergraduate students who can help during any stage of the writing process. You can book up to 10 appointments each term.
  • Writing drop ins: Fridays, 10:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET (Mills Library L215)

Learn more about Writing and Academic Skills Appointments

Writing and Academic Skills Appointments

  • Career Access Professional Services (CAPS): These services are for students and alumni who identify as a member of an equity-deserving group or have barriers to employment. The CAPS team provides individualized support to assist with all aspects of career development including exploration, preparation and the building of skills and confidence.
  • Career counselling: Meet with supportive and collaborative counsellors who can help you make career, education and life decisions.
  • Virtual drop-ins (15 minutes): Get quick answers to your questions about careers, job searching, further education and more. Access the virtual drop-ins on the Brazen platform. 
  • In-person drop-ins (20 minutes): Visit us in the Student Success Centre in Gilmour Hall 110 to ask questions and discover resources. Check in at the front desk. 
    • Tuesdays, 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. ET (GH 110)
    • Thursdays, 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. ET (GH 110)
  • Job search coaching: Ask questions about how to conduct your search effectively, including how to find suitable opportunities, how to prepare a successful application and more.

Book an appointment

https://www.oscarplusmcmaster.ca/home.htm

McMaster’s Access Program connects students with information and supports to set them up for success in university. Our goal is to help these students envision post-secondary education at McMaster as a world of possibilities instead of barriers.

  • Access Award: Provides up to $20,000 per year for four years of post-secondary education at McMaster. Plus, mentorship, employment options and academic supports to set students up for success.
  • Youth in Extended Care Tuition Bursary: Providing students who grew up in the care of the Children’s Aid Society with funding toward tuition at McMaster University. Support is available for both undergraduate and graduate programs.

Learn more about the Office of Registrar and Award Spring’s financial aid, scholarships and resources.

Aid & Awards

How to find other scholarships and awards using FundsFinder.

https://registrar.mcmaster.ca/funds-finder/ 

 

Mac’s Money Centre is a resource available to all students. We offer workshops, tax services to students and the community year round, and host a number of educational campaigns and events with financial experts, based on financial topics of-interest, shared with us by students. 

  • Fin Lit Peer Appointments: Meet with a peer, ask questions and discuss resources and strategies to help meet your financial needs and goals. 
  • Money Coaching Appointments (crisis situations): Meet with a qualified professional to review your needs. Contact money@mcmaster.ca.

Learn more about Financial Wellness:

Financial Wellness

The Student Wellness Centre is the place on campus to address your wellness needs. We provide a range of counselling options, medical services and wellness programs so that you can get the most out of your McMaster experience, academically and personally.

  • Student Wellness Centre (PGCLL – 210)
    • Student clinic that provides medical appointments, additional counselling services as well as therapeutic groups, Student Wellness Education programs and more

More support across campus

Connect with people and discover new places

Universities can be hard places to navigate. Here are some of the communities at McMaster that can help make the adjustment to university life a little easier.

Archway is the core of the off-campus student experience. The team’s here to help you through your first year whenever you need it, and sometimes even before you know you need it.

  • One-on-one mentorship: As a first-year student, you’re paired with an upper-year Archway mentor in the summer leading up to your first university term. Your mentor’s always there to chat, answer questions, provide guidance and help you navigate the transition to university life.
  • Archway uses Microsoft Teams as a virtual community space where you can connect with other first-year students living off campus, chat with your Archway mentor, discover upcoming events and helpful resources  — and more.

Every Marauder deserves a great place to call home. Housing & Conference Services serves our McMaster University students and supports on and off-campus student success through inclusion, community engagement, and activities that promote personal growth, health and wellbeing. Through continual improvements to the student living experience, we are helping to shape a Brighter World.

  • Future residences
  • Current residences
  • Living off-campus

Learn more about housing and conferences

Home

The Black Student Success Centre (BSSC) is dedicated to supporting and championing the holistic (academic, personal and professional) success and overall well-being of Black/African descent students and fostering a positive Black student and athlete experience. The Centre is a safe space where students can meet, share, socialize and access specialized support and services.

All programs and services are available to Black-identified students currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program of study

The services BSSC includes:

  • Virtual and in-person General Check-in appointments (graduate and undergraduate) with Iyobosa, Faith Ogunkoya
  • Virtual Scholarships, Bursaries & Awards Application Support with Kennishia Boahene
  • Virtual Black Faculty Office Hours with ACFAM (African Caribbean Faculty at McMaster)
  • Virtual and in-person RO, Financial Aid Literacy & Coaching with Leon Cox
  • Virtual and in-person Academic Advising Support with Selamm Kassa from the Faculty of Science
  • Virtual and in-person Black Student Mentorship Program meetings with Alex Montague, ACFAM Project Coordinator

Learn more about Black Student Success Centre

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Indigenous Student Services supports First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students attending McMaster. We welcome Indigenous students from all across campus.

Programs:

  • Gaǫdadęihwahni:ya:s Summer Transition Program: Find a culturally safe space to develop your community and access support among Indigenous learners before the year starts.
  • Student Development Program: Indigenous Student Services provides and connects Indigenous learners to the supports they need to achieve their academic goals (ISS).
  • The Yonkwahahí:yos Mentorship Program: Supports students to create or participate in activities that enhance their academic or professional growth i.e., conference or community event.
  • Work program for students: Each year Indigenous Student Services offers a variety of employment opportunities for Indigenous Students. Most are offered through the Work Study Program.

Social and community events

  • Indigenous Student Services (L.R. Wilson Hall, Room 1811)
  • Indigenous students can study in LRW 1811 after business hours on Thursdays from 4:30 to 8:30 PM.
  • Elders and Knowledge Keepers-in-Residence
  • Graduation Ceremony

Learn more about Indigenous Student Services

Home

Discover how the International and Exchange Student Experience (IESE) team can support your success at McMaster and beyond.

  • Immigration advising: Through our immigration advising services, we can offer advice and connect you with resources to complete the immigration process and help you settle into your new environment
  • Success coaching (international): Our success coaching services and resources are designed to give personalized support so you feel confident and ready to explore McMaster
  • Peer support and events
  • Health insurance (UHIP)
  • Incoming exchange students

Learn more about IESE

 

Student Accessibility Services (SAS) provides academic accommodations and related supports for students with disabilities at McMaster. They are available to help you transition from high school or other post-secondary institutions with supports for undergraduate, continuing and graduate students.

  • The Transition Program: Supports incoming McMaster students with disabilities and accessibility needs as they begin a new stage in post-secondary studie
  • Note-Taking Services: Note-taking services can help you stay organized, retain course concepts and study for exams and tests
  • Assistive Technology: Access technology and tools you need to succeed at McMaster
  • Alternative Text Formats: SAS works with Library Accessibility Services (LAS) to provide alternate text formats for students with disabilities
  • Learning Strategies: Develop tactics learning strategies that work for you

Learn more about Student Accessibility Services

A student-led organization, the McMaster Students Union (MSU) operates more than 30 businesses and services to meet undergraduate student needs and interests. If you want to meet new people and get support from your peers, an MSU service or program is a great place to start. Here are some valuable services to help you get involved.

  • Spark: Get involved with spark if you need support adjusting to life in your first year at McMaster. Services include a weekly mentorship program, social events, workshops and online resources.
  • Pride Community Centre (PCC): The Pride Community Centre is a support system for McMaster students who identify with the 2SLGBTQ+ (two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer) community. This organization provides a safe space and challenges oppressive attitudes through peer support, advocacy, education and awareness.
  • Diversity Services: A celebration of race, ethnicity, culture, faith and indigenous identities, this MSU organization plans on-campus events that showcase the diversity of the McMaster community.

Want to explore more?

 

Clubs are a great way to get involved and build a support system of peers. There are over 300 social, cultural, academic, recreational and religious clubs on campus that can meet your needs and interests. As an international student, the following clubs may be suited to your interests and needs.

  • McMaster International and Exchange (M.I.X.) Club: M.I.X. is a non-profit, student-led organization made up of recently returned and outgoing McMaster exchange students, members of the larger McMaster community and international students. Get connected, share your experiences and learn about internationally-focused events.

Browse all campus clubs